New to Fossil collecting

[dd2387]

While panning for gold last summer I came across a clay bank in the creek in a section of a wilderness area that has not seen very many visitors. The clay was loaded with fossils of shell like designs. I took a small sample along, now that I sat looking at it the other day I hope I haven't ruined it. How do you keep it? In water, in a plastic case, or is it to late to worry about it! Need to know for the next visit, so I don't make the same mistakes.

 

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[fossis]

Welcome to Fossils, Could you post some pic's?
If the material is stone in clay, it should dry,& be okay,
if the material is soft, then you should wash, then dry, &
try the Elmer's glue & water mix, to stabilize them,(paint it).
Hope I have been of help,

Fossis.....................

 

[dd2387]

Thanks for the reply, I'll try to get some shots of the item and post them.

 

[texasriverdigger]

fossis, will that paint process work for some of these claw type fossils as well? I have some that are very dry and are becoming fragile to move(trying to turn to dust) will that stabilize them and help hold them together? and is it acceptable or OK to use a stain on fossils? I have found that when they are still wet they seem pretty solid, but after they dry they start to show there age.. Thanks.... Mike